Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Cherry MX Speed Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro is renowned for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature, along with a silky smooth typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a bouncy and polished feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver excels in rapid response with its linear action and low spring resistance, perfect for gamers who prioritize speed and precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, we can see that both switches have unique characteristics based on the materials used. The V3 Crystal Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency enhances the visual appeal. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver utilizes a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, we find that the V3 Crystal Pro once again employs polycarbonate, providing a similar sharp and crisp sound profile as seen in the top housing. This consistency of material ensures a cohesive sound experience across the switch. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the softer plastic absorbing more sound to create a duller tone. These differences in bottom housing material impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, highlighting the importance of housing material in switch design.
It is clear that the choice of housing material plays a significant role in the sound profile and overall feel of a mechanical switch. While the V3 Crystal Pro and the MX Speed Silver have distinct characteristics due to their polycarbonate and nylon housings, respectively, the importance of consistency in material choice within a switch is emphasized. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, with the V3 Crystal Pro showcasing a sharper and crisper tone, while the MX Speed Silver presents a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, whether using polycarbonate or nylon, each material brings its own advantages to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has a medium actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is lighter with an actuation force of 30 grams, although the bottom out force is unknown. These differences in weight can significantly impact the typing feel for users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the MX Speed Silver for extended typing periods, while others might prefer the heavier bottom out force of the V3 Crystal Pro for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the MX Speed Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Crystal Pro. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Cherry MX Speed Silver due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Akko V3 Crystal Pro with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with one providing a quicker response and the other offering a more pronounced keypress feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a chirpy, unique acoustic signature with a slight squeak that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, resulting in a deep, rich, and satisfying tone when pressed. The sound produced by each switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard body and keycaps used, so individual preferences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switch is praised for its bouncy and polished sensation, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, refined typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this tactile feedback, while others might prefer a smoother typing experience without any noticeable texture. Again, personal preference plays a significant role in determining the preferred feel of a switch.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro provides a bright and chirpy sound with a silky smooth typing experience, while also offering a bouncy and polished feel. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver switch boasts a thocky and low-pitched sound with rapid response for gaming purposes, along with a textured feel for those who appreciate tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a unique, chirpy sound signature and a silky smooth typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you value rapid response and maximum speed for gaming purposes, the MX Speed Silver with its linear action and low spring resistance may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound and feel, as well as the specific use case for the keyboard switch. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different needs, so choose wisely based on your requirements and priorities.
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